The Cyprus Oncology Society (OEK) clarified its position on Wednesday regarding the approval of requests for cancer treatment drugs by the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO), amid complains of delays the availability of treatment. 

OEK addressed procedural issues and delays linked to the transfer of the nominal requests committee from the Health Ministry to the HIO which took place back in May.

It actively participated in consultations aimed at accelerating and improving the approval process.

A past meeting between OEK and HIO on May 26, saw both parties agreeing on a scientifically accepted timeline for the update and completion of therapeutic protocols.

Updating these protocols has already led, as expected, to a reduction in the number of nominal requests, said OEK.

It went on to emphasise that if a request is rejected, treating physicians have the right to appeal to the review board.

Reassuring patients that the new criteria are applied with transparency and seriousness, it noted that it continues to closely monitor the progress of the system and will undertake further interventions if necessary.

Earlier in May, obstacles in the approval process for oncology drugs were examined, amid rising complaints from doctors and patients about critical delays. Oncologists had reportedly faced rejections or silence after submitting urgent requests for these drugs.